Policy Advocacy

URI is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
MOU signing between URI and WPPS

URI works at the policymaking level in partnership with UN agencies, urging lawmakers and governments to recognize the need for peace, justice, and protection of basic human rights.

Examples of our work in this Action Area:

  • The United Religions Initiative at the United Nations CC, based at the United Nations in New York, provides an ongoing URI presence at the UN about topics like nuclear disarmament, sustainability, women's rights, and more.
  • When the governor of Tennessee (USA) stated that he did not want refugees to resettle in his state, the Northeast Tennessee Chapter URI Cooperation Circle joined a chorus of voices to express their support for refugee rights. They published an advertisement in their local newspaper and said, “Let us all speak out against religious, racial and ethnic animosity and encourage all people to be compassionately welcoming.” A few months later, the governor reversed his position.
  • Three German URI Cooperation Circles, along with ten other interfaith institutions, signed and delivered to their mayor a statement affirming freedom of religion and requesting equal treatment of followers of different traditions.
Search for Cooperation Circles (CCs) with a focus on Policy Advocacy

Stories

Occupy URI

We extend our support to ‘Occupy Wall Street’ and the ‘Occupy Together’ movement by standing in solidarity with our sister and brother protestors in calling for a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizenry, the establishment of a society based on economic justice and freedom of expression including public assembly.

Korea IDP

URI Korea held a Peace Forum at the downtown in Seoul on the 20th. URI Trustee and Regional Coordinator Jinwol Lee gave a keynote speech about the "Religions' Roles for Making Social Harmony and Peace." After the Forum we had a dinner and celebrated the eve of IDP.